A friend asked me to build three 8-string tenor ukuleles, he's supplying the Koa. I have built several acoustic guitars, many ukes, and a few cigar box guitars but not an 8-string uke. Do I use mandolin tuners, individual uke tuners (Grover)? I assume I use tenor ukulele plans. Do I re-enforce the neck? What are the nut specks-string separation and the separation and spread at the saddle?

I know, a lot of questions here. Anyone build an 8-string tenor uke that can point me to where I might find the info? Have not found plans anywhere for 8-string tenor ukulele.

Use whatever tuning machines you feel comfortable with. Of course Mando would be a natural with 4 on a plate, or individual would be fine.

Since 8-strings are usually 17" scale, Tenors would be a natural starting point.

Personally, I reinforce all my necks. I doubt if most production ones are reinforced, even 6's and 8's.

For the string spacing within a course, I would spec out one that you like, and go from there.

I've built a 6, but strung it like 3/4 of an 8 (octave g, c, e, double high a). Not sure if you'll find plans for an 8. Not unlike the spacing (which would come with plans), I would spec one out that you like. Kamaka has made 8's for a long time. For me, I upped the bracing a bit, widened the fretboard a bit, stretched out the headstock a bit.

Personally, I'm not an 8-string fan, the high g, high c, double high a make it a very treble instrument. I've not really heard any good sounding 8's that I wouldn't replace with a 4 or a 6. Oddly, I have made Tiples, and prefer them exponentially over 8's.

I did my taropatch uke with 1.5" wide nut. The strings were spaced about 1/8th inch apart for each course. (I just copied the spacing from a mandolin) I used a carbon fiber reinforcement in the neck (15" scale). I don't think you NEED a reinforcement but its easy insurance. Tuners are up to you......lighter is betterI did 3 fan braces with a popsicle stick brace on each side of the sound hole.

There's no real "standard" for taropatch ukes because they're rare. Seems like Martin made the most of them so I took my cue's from that model. Your friend might be doubling the world's population of 8-string ukes with this order

I have built several 8 string tenors...koa/spruce, koa/redwood (and I play mostly 8 string).....

Tuners; Have been using Grover 4 on a plate....Nut width/Saddle; Your preference....nut around 35-40mm, saddle around 50mm.Neck; I use either 1/8 x 3/8 carbon rod, or laminate black/koa/black in neck. Bracing; Up to you...I X brace, but many out there are fan. Depends on the sound you're looking for.

Key to playability for me....LOW action at nut (gotta press 8 strings down on 1st fret), and close pairing of strings. Finally, I like some real estate between bottom a string and edge of fretboard to keep string from sliding off in upper positions....hope this helps....can't seem to post a pic....oh well...good luck!!

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot post attachments in this forum